News Briefs

To thank customers for choosing Meijer, the retailer is randomly surprising more than 10,000 pickup customers this holiday season. The "12 Days of Meijer Pickup" event will continue to take place at all Meijer supercenters and Meijer Grocery stores throughout the retailer's six-state footprint until Dec. 12.

"Our customers have truly embraced our pickup program because of its ease and convenience," said Justin Sessink, director of digital shopping for Meijer. "The holidays are a perfect time to show how much we appreciate them, and this event allows our stores to have fun while doing it."

Throughout the event, each Meijer supercenter and Meijer Grocery store will surprise multiple random pickup customers each day with a coupon valued at $50, $100, $250 or $500, or a gift box that includes several holiday-themed items.

Meijer continues to provide customers with multiple shopping options so they can shop in the way that's most convenient to them. During the past several years, a growing percentage of Meijer customers have embraced the convenience of the retailer's pickup and home delivery options.

Skin care brand Bliss is partnering with fitness chain Crunch on a partnership that will bring personal care products to gym goers at two locations. 

The Crunch gym, located in West Hollywood: 800 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles; and Union Square, 113 4 Ave in New York City, will feature the Lemon and Sage Body Wash, as well as lotion, shampoo and conditioner. 

"As we embark on this transformative journey, Bliss is dedicated to reshaping the gym experience. Our vision extends beyond physical fitness; it encompasses a fusion of wellness and self-care,” said Sara Mitzner, vice president of marketing at AS Beauty Group. “Inspired by our modern spa-like origins, Bliss envisions Crunch as not only a fitness haven but also a sanctuary where members can pamper themselves post-workout. The success of this pioneering venture will pave the way for possible expansion, potentially transforming numerous Crunch locations into havens of holistic well-being.” 

Bliss’ products are formulated without the use of parabens, phthalates and SLS or SLES, and also are clean, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested and B Corp Certified, the brand noted. 

Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene, announced that Hy-Vee has joined the My Health Pays network.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2023, Iowa Total Care members can spend their My Health Pays rewards at all Hy-Vee, Dollar Fresh Market and Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh stores in Iowa (in-store only). In 2022, Iowa Total Care members earned over $5.1 million in My Health Pays rewards for participating in healthy activities, including annual health risk screenings, infant, early child and adult well-care visits, flu shots and more.

[Read more: Hy-Vee launches resource for patients with private insurance to access insulin for $35 per month]

"Partnering with an Iowa-based company like Hy-Vee is extra special," said Mitch Wasden, president and CEO of Iowa Total Care Plan. "Encouraging members to earn rewards for healthy behaviors and promoting preventative care is the goal, and we hope the extra incentives while shopping at their local Hy-Vee will serve as an exciting added benefit." 

Over the past several years, Iowa Total Care and Hy-Vee have partnered through the "Eating Healthy with Iowa Total Care" virtual cooking classes. New in 2023, the partnership was expanded to include four statewide Green to Go community health fairs that will grow to eight community health fairs in 2024. Since January 2023, Hy-Vee also worked alongside Iowa Total Care to distribute 42,540 pieces of fresh, free produce to more than 2,000 Iowans facing food insecurity.

[Read more: Retailers offer updated COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines]

For more information on how to use your My Health Pays Rewards, members can visit My Health Pays or call Iowa Total Care member services at 1-833-404-1061. 

New from Children’s Tylenol is a product that solidifies its entry into the health tech space. 

The brand has launched an at-home otoscope —SmartCheck from Children’s Tylenol—that offers parents 24/7 access to care by attaching the tool to an iPhone or Android device to capture and share recordings of their children’s eardrum with healthcare professionals. 

Designed to work like a doctor’s otoscope, the tool is used to look inside the ears and with its corresponding app, can help capture a recording of the eardrum for parents to share with a healthcare professional via telehealth, the company said. 

Retailing for $79.99, SmartCheck from Children’s Tylenol is available for purchase online at Amazon, as well as through such local retailers as Albertsons, Walmart and Rite Aid. 

Fresh Cravings is adding variety to its hummus with the launch of two new flavors—Tajín Chili Lime and Dill Pickle. 

“Our team remains dedicated to delivering sought-after flavors and elevated recipes to our customers, and our collaboration with Tajín is yet another example of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of hummus flavor innovation,” said Fresh Cravings president Nicole Parker. “We crave goodness in all that we do, and these new flavors underscore our brand’s mission to offer unique snacking experiences with high-quality ingredients, which can be shared during special moments with loved ones.”

The Tajín Chili Lime flavor features Mexican-inspired spices that are infused with Tajín’s Clásico seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime and sea salt. The Dill Pickle launch contains a topping of dill pickle flavor and a hint of garlic, the company said. 

Consumers can find Fresh Cravings’ new launches in the deli section of Walmart stores nationwide. 

The holiday season is quickly approaching and General Mills is bringing cheer to the food and snack aisle with some new and returning treats. 

Some previously launched options consumers can be on the lookout for include Sugar Cookie Toast Crunch, Rudolph Cereal, Betty Crocker Cookies for Santa Cookie Kit, Betty Crocker Cookie Mix in Salted Caramel and Gingerbread, Pillsbury Seasonal Shape Elf Sugar Cookie Dough in new packaging, Pillsbury Seasonal Chub, Pillsbury Grands! Hot Cocoa, Lärabar in Gingerbread and Lärabar in Pumpkin Pie. 

New options consumers can be on the lookout for include: 

• Festive Frosted Cookie Dough: Ornament-themed holiday cookies that come in a ready-to-bake format; 
• Betty Crocker Buddy the Elf Sugar Cookie Mix: Celebrating the 20^th anniversary of the “Elf,” movie, the cookie kit contains a cookie cutter, green sugar cookie mix and yellow frosting; and 
• Betty Crocker Santa Stackers: Evergreen pancakes with a white snow-inspired topping mix. 

General Mills’ new and returning holiday snacks and sweets are available at retailers nationwide.